COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – The Danish government plans to introduce a bill just after the New Year that will allow same-sex couples to hold weddings in the Church of Denmark and be married under Danish law. Same-sex couples are currently allowed to have registered partnerships, a civil status but are barred from marriage and church weddings.

The first same-sex weddings could take place as early as spring 2012.

Church officials are decrying the proposal that they say will spell the end for the Church of Denmark.